Noel Gourdin | Fresh: The Definition

Noel Gourdin | Fresh: The Definition
by Brent Faulkner

2008’s debut effort After My Time was a solid first showing for R&B talent Noel Gourdin, but failed to make Gourdin a commercially successful artist. That said, the Epic debut was an album that was critically sound and characterized Gourdin as a new R&B artist who talents harkened back to “the old days.” With the exceptional single “The River,” Noel Gourdin established he was an anti-establishment R&B artist who wished to preserve the ‘glory days’ of soul and chivalry, something so much R&B music today fails to highlight. 2011’s independently released effort Fresh: The Definition is very similar in concept to 2008’s major label release – old school R&B with a hint of contemporary and chivalrous, uplifting lyrics. The result turns out to be an album that is even better than its predecessor – perhaps the reason the indie route may be better for a ‘classic’ artist – but may not win over the ‘commercial’ crowd. That is a concession that might be worthwhile for a true soul singer like Noel Gourdin.

“In Love” is a superb opener with a smooth neo-soul sound about it. Vocally, Gourdin sounds polished and commanding, though he “never breaks a sweat.” The high point is the chorus, in which harmonized background vocals sing “I don’t see myself being with no one else, girl I finally know what it feels like to be in love…” On “Puppet,” Gourdin continues his upswing, in which he likens himself to a ‘puppet’ who is ‘hanging on the strings of love.’ Sure, it’s nothing new conceptually nor is it the most distinct song per say, but it represents the past without sounding too anachronistic.

“Beautiful” is solid, though nothing earth-shattering while the title track (“Brand New (Fresh)”) is enjoyable, well produced with a modern adult-contemporary R&B flare, and well penned. “Not Around,” written solely by Gourdin, is another lovely performance, continuing to highlight chivalry and the total respect that should be shown to women. “Been A Long Time” adds Ruben Studdard to a list of songwriters. Here, there is a nice classic 1970s sensibility, coupled with the swagger of 80s R&B ‘lover-men’ like Freddie Jackson or Keith Sweat. “Only You,” a Ruben Studdard original, reminds one of Percy Sledge’s classic “When A Man Loves A Woman,” with its organ and gospel undertone. Here, the raspy nature of Gourdin’s lower register and flawlessness of his upper register shine equally.

“Save Our Love” proves to be a fantastic duet and perhaps the best cut of Fresh. The songwriting is perfect and suits the gentlemen-like qualities that Gourdin seems to radiate across the effort: “It’s up to us… together we can make this love survive…” “Change for You” is solid, though not exceptional while “Assurance Policy” is just Ok when put beside the best cuts. “Young Love” features lighter production work than most cuts, which is a highlight. “Sex in The City,” however, is what reinvigorates some of the lost energy from Fresh, conceding ever so slightly into the repetitive gimmickry that embodies modern R&B. Even so, he barely ‘breaks a sweat,’ showing his class even through the most sensual material. Closing cut “No Regrets” is not a bad cut, but nor is it as enthralling as say “Save Our Love,” a clear valedictory moment.

Fresh: The Definition, then, is a solid album with some enjoyable moments. The problem is that like some of his equally talented colleagues (Musiq Soulchild, Jaheim, Tank), Gourdin has trouble making a distinctive musical personality for himself. Sure he sings well, but there is a lack of personality exuded here, which was much of the problem with his debut. That said, good singing is good singing – period. Fresh is a wonderful addition to the 2011 R&B market that many should NOT sleep on.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene